WHO Reports Urgent Need for Investment in Global Mental Health

On September 2, 2025, the World Health Organization (WHO) released two comprehensive reports—World Mental Health Today and the Mental Health Atlas 2024—highlighting that over one billion people globally are living with mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression. These disorders have become the second leading cause of long-term disability worldwide, imposing significant human and economic burdens.

The reports also reveal that suicide claimed approximately 727,000 lives in 2021, making it a leading cause of death among young people. Despite some progress in mental health policies, the WHO emphasizes the urgent need for increased investment and action to scale up services, as current efforts are insufficient to meet global targets.

Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, stated, "Transforming mental health services is one of the most pressing public health challenges. Investing in mental health means investing in people, communities, and economies—an investment no country can afford to neglect. Every government and every leader has a responsibility to act with urgency and to ensure that mental health care is treated not as a privilege, but as a basic right for all."

The economic impact of mental health disorders is substantial, with depression and anxiety alone costing the global economy an estimated US$1 trillion each year. Despite this, median government spending on mental health remains at just 2% of total health budgets, unchanged since 2017. Disparities between countries are stark; while high-income countries spend up to US$65 per person on mental health, low-income countries spend as little as US$0.04.

The prevalence of mental health disorders affects individuals across all demographics, leading to diminished quality of life, strained relationships, and reduced productivity. The high suicide rates, particularly among young people, underscore the need for targeted interventions and support systems.

While mental health has been a longstanding public health issue, recent years have seen increased recognition of its importance. However, progress in reducing suicide mortality is insufficient to meet the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) of a one-third reduction in suicide rates by 2030. On the current trajectory, only a 12% reduction will be achieved by that deadline.

The WHO's recent reports serve as a clarion call for immediate and substantial action to address the global mental health crisis. With over a billion individuals affected and significant human and economic costs, it is imperative for governments and stakeholders worldwide to prioritize mental health, allocate adequate resources, and implement comprehensive strategies to improve mental health services and outcomes.